Heading for the piste this Christmas, catching some winter sun, or thinking of booking a bargain holiday in the January sales?

This checklist will help you plan for your trip and stay safe whilst you’re there.  Plus we’ve got more advice for specific types of travellers – like backpackers or disabled travellers - in our travel advice relevant to you section.

How we can help

• check our travel advice pages for the country you are visiting.  Sign up for email alerts and you’ll get the latest updates for that country
• register with our LOCATE service so we can get in touch with you if something goes wrong
• find out where the nearest embassy will be, and read what they can and can’t do for you
  

Insurance and health

• don’t scrimp on insurance – check what you’re covered for, including any activities you might want to undertake. Not buying insurance could cost you a lot more if you do get into difficulties
• many insurers offer specialist policies for winter sports holidays
• travelling within the EU? Then get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care - you still need full travel insurance though!
• check with your doctor as soon as possible to find out if you need any vaccinations before you travel - read more on our travel health page.

Visas, passports and money

• make sure you’ve got correct visas for the country you are visiting and that your passport is valid for the right amount of time – our travel advice can usually tell you this   
• all first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to verify their identity. It now takes up to six weeks to get a first passport. For more information please visit the Identity and Passport website
• take photocopies of your passport and other important documents - keep these separate from the originals when you travel and/or store them online using a secure data storage site
• make sure you fill in the emergency contact details in your passport. This will make it much easier for us to contact someone if necessary
• tell a friend or relative where you are going and for how long for - give them some idea of your itinerary if possible and an emergency contact number
• take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds in a mix of cash and travellers cheque - make a note of the cheques’ numbers before you go

When you are away:

• don’t openly display valuables such as mobile phones or digital cameras and consider using a padlock on suitcases or backpacks
• find out about local customs and dress, behave accordingly and obey local laws -there may be serious penalties for breaking a law that might seem trivial at home
• consider taking your mobile with you or renting one whilst you’re away.  Store useful numbers such as the local police and the nearest embassy or consulate
• check with your service provider to make sure your phone works abroad
• respect the environment – don’t buy wildlife souvenirs, conserve resources like water and don’t drop litter
• check import regulations for food and plants with Defra (external site) before you attempt to bring them back to the UK

Useful links:

>> Eat and drink safely
>> Driving abroad
>> Travel health
>> Wildlife and the environment
>> Five reasons to take our number with you